ORDINARY MEETINGS, HELD IN ST. GEORGE'S HALL. 14th December, 1854. LITERARY SECTION. THE REV. DR. THOм, V.P., in the Chair. The Minutes of the last Meeting were read and confirmed. A long list of Donations which had been received since the close of last session, was read over by the Curator. It was arranged that they should be classified and formally presented on the evenings devoted to Archæology, Literature, and Science, respectively. Mr. Mayer exhibited a Tig or drinking cup with four handles. It is of earthenware, and of the date 1612; being one of the oldest known to exist. Some remarks were made respecting three-handled tigs; and also respecting the general resemblance of this one to the Irish "mether." Several representations of it were handed round, from an etching which had been executed by F. W. Fairholt, F.S.A. (See Illustration.) Mr. Fairholt exhibited an English Brank or Scold's bridle from Mr. Mayer's Museum, also a drawing of a similar instrument from Germany; both being illustrative of a communication which he was about to make. The Chairman mentioned that a part of his paper on Churches and Chapels of Liverpool, printed in the Society's volumes iv and v, had led to extensive inquiries respecting family history, from gentlemen in the United States of America. The following Papers were then read :— On a Grotesque Mask of Punishment, obtained in the Castle of Nuremberg, by F. W. Fairholt, F.S.A.;-and on Cowley and the Poets of the Seventeenth Century, by David Buxton, Esq. 21st December, 1854. SCIENTIFIC SECTION. THE REV. DR. THOM, V.P., in the Chair. The Minutes of the last Meeting were read and confirmed. The following Donations to the Society were laid upon the table : From the Author, Thomas T. Wilkinson, F.R.A.S. An Account of the early Mathematical and Philosophical Writings of the late Dr. Dalton, pamph. Manchester, 1854. The Lancashire Geometers and their Writings, pamph. Manchester, 1854. Memoir of the Rev. John Lawson, B.D., Rector of Swanscombe, Kent, pamph. Manchester, 1854. On Bisectant Axes, and their relation to the Radical Axes of two or more given Circles, pamph. London, 1852. Mathematical Papers on Circles of Tangential Ratio, and their relation to radical Axes and Circles of Similitude, pamph. London, 1854. From the Author, Theodore W. Rathbone, Esq. Comparative statement of the different plans of Decimal Accounts and Coinage, which have been proposed by the witnesses examined before the House of Commons, and by others, pamph. London, 1854. From the Author, James Bedford, Ph.D. New Theories of the Universe, explaining Mr. Buxton drew attention to the fact of the death of Professor Forbes, who had lately taken a prominent part in the Scientific meetings held within that building. He thought that at the first Scientific meeting of the Historic Society, they should record their sorrow for the event, and their regret for the loss which Science had sustained by his decease. In this suggestion the meeting unanimously concurred. Dr. Hume made some remarks on Christmas Carols, their nature and antiquity; and quoted passages from some of the absurd ones of modern times. He also drew attention to one of the Chester Mystery Plays, of the Sixteenth century, entitled "the Nativity," showing that it abounded with local allusions, and illustrations of the manners of the period. Mr. Poole exhibited and explained several instruments for the extraction of bullets from gun-shot wounds. They had been lent for the purpose by Mr. Thomas Reay. They included the ancient bullet forceps; the French screw for insertion into the bullet; and the more recent instrument consisting of a groove or scoop and retaining points. On the subject of Decimal Coinage, some remarks were made by Mr. Richardson, in explanation of the table which he presented. Mr. W. Milner, one of the patentees, exhibited and explained the following objects. Several locks, showing various principles of construction; water colour drawing, exhibiting a section of the door of a safe; mode of packing the door of a safe, so as to prevent the effects of drilling by thieves; mode of governing the bolts in locks of the largest size; model box, showing the various plans which have been patented for resisting fire; model of the new safe-door, which is retained by a sheet of metal all round. ON THE POWDER-PROOF SOLID LOCK, AND SAFE DOOR. By W. Milner, Esq. Before exhibiting and explaining these objects, Mr. Milner entered into a brief account of the efforts which he had made for opposing an effectual resistance to fire. During a period of about fourteen years five successive patents have been obtained, improvements gradually suggesting themselves on a principle originally good. The chambers of the safes are filled with materials combining the mutual re-action of non conduction and vaporisation, so that no greater temperature can exist than 212° Fahrt. in the interior of the safe, and among its contents. Safes constructed upon this principle have often been subjected to the most intense heat without injury to their contents. The mode of fastening safes, so as to present obstruction to their opening, either through accidents at fires or in case of robbery, has also attracted great attention. The safes have therefore become currently known as "holdfast and fire-resisting." Within the last twelve months, however, a new mode of opening safes has been frequently resorted to by thieves, viz., the insertion of gunpowder into the lock, the explosion of which unfastened the door. Against such a mode of operation no safe of previous construction was secure, and thus the name popularly accorded became in applicable. The powder proof solid lock is intended to prevent the possibility of using gunpowder, and the principle of it is-presenting a solid mass of metal, except at the very small orifices for the insertion or withdrawal of the key. There is thus no chamber within the lock to admit of the accumulation of gunpowder through the keyhole. An ordinary lock, suited to a middling sized safe, constructed on the ordinary or old principle, would admit about half a pound of gunpowder, while larger locks would, of course, admit of a greater quantity. But the solid lock, known as the six lever, did not afford space for more than half a thimbleful of gunpowder. To obviate still further the possibility of applying gunpowder, Mr. Milner showed that the chamber in which the lock was placed was completely filled up with soft spongy wood, which, in the event of being penetrated with a drill, would of itself half fill the aperture. As a still further protection, however, this wood is shielded by a plate of hardened steel, which would resist almost any attempt at boring. The peculiarity of the new safe door is, that instead of being retained in its place by a single bar, or by several bars, a sheet of metal is thrown out at top, bottom, and sides, almost as if the whole were a solid mass. Allusion was made to several interesting experiments, in which official persons had been invited to witness the effects of these improvements. Whilst safes of the ordinary kind were readily blown to pieces by the insertion of gunpowder at the keyhole, those constructed upon this principle remained unchanged, excepting the accumulation of a little dirt from the explosion. 4th January, 1855. ARCHEOLOGICAL SECTION. THE REV. DR. THOM, V.P., in the Chair. The Minutes of the last Meeting were read and confirmed. The following Donations to the Society were laid upon the table:- List of the Fellows, 1854. From the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Proceedings of the Society, parts 1 and 2. Report No. 4, 1854. From the Cambridge Antiquarian Society. Villa, and of the Discoveries on Borough Hill, pamph. 4to. London, 1854. From the Author, John Harland, Esq. Memoir of the late John Just, of Bury, pamph. Manchester, 1854. From the Author, Charles Roach Smith, F.S.A. Collectanea Antiqua, vol. iii, part 4. From the Author, Robert Rawlinson, Esq. Report presented to the Board of Health, on a Preliminary Inquiry, respecting the Borough of Malton, pamph. 1854. From the Authors, W. J. Mason, Esq., Architect, and A. W. Hunt, B.A. The History and Antiquities of Birkenhead Priory, illustrated by Views, Plans, and From J. W. Whitehead, Esq. Afbildninger fra Det Kongelige Museum for Nor- From Thomas Dorning Hibbert, Esq. A large perforated stone malleus, axe-shaped on one side. Mr. Robson exhibited a bronze paalstab of an interesting shape. It had been found near Warrington, on the Cheshire side of the Mersey. Mr. Clements exhibited the following articles. An ancient Padlock, found in an excavation in Bond street, London; a pair of ancient iron nut-crackers, on the principle of screw-pressure; two pieces of the Gun-money of James II; and several well executed photographic views. Mr. Clements also exhibited two ancient oak panels with carving; and drawings illustrative of them from Caxton's edition of "Reynard the Fox." Mr. Benn forwarded for exhibition the following articles, illustrative of his paper:A Roman bead; four other beads of very singular forms; a red coloured bead, rude in form and material; thirty beads of various kinds; two with different colours laid on; a piece of glass ornament, belonging, it is supposed, to the Saxon period; some small beads, like garnet, said to have been found in a cairn. The Chairman stated that an inquiry had recently taken place in Edinburgh, the result of which was yet unsatisfactory, respecting the Architect of Heriot's Hospital. The names of four persons had been suggested; viz. Inigo Jones, Walter Balcanquhall, D.D., and two of the master masons who were first engaged in erecting the building. The following Papers were then read: Ancient British Antiquities, No. 2.-Objects in Glass, by Edward Benn, Esq.; and DESCRIPTION OF TWO ANCIENT CARVED OAK PANELS. By John Clements, Esq. The origin and history of these panels is not known. They may be local, but probably are not. When they came into the hands of their present possessor, they were covered with a thick coating of whitewash; in which state it is not probable that they had travelled far. They form a pair, each being eighteen inches long, by ten broad. They are a good deal worm-eaten, but still in good preservation. The carving is very rude. No. 1. This represents the legend of "St. George and the Dragon." The tail of the dragon is peculiar, being very short, and curled like that of a dog. The animal also wants wings, and has in general a less formidable appearance than usual. The lance or tilting spear of the Saint seems also to be omitted. The Princess Sabra is placed at the top of the panel, holding a sheep in a leash. She stands apparently on a hillock, like an inverted bowl, and the sheep which seems struggling to obtain its liberty, is suspended in mid air. The horse of the Saint seems to move along the ridge of the dragon's back; a rabbit or hare has leaped up in front of the horse; and the Saint has his sword raised, no doubt actually to wound the dragon, but apparently to assail the rabbit or hare in front. The head of the horse is curbed in, and his eye, judging from the rude carving, looks forward with some alarm. The arms of the princess are carved of a most unnatural length; she could easily touch the ground with her fingers, without stooping. Her dress too is peculiar; the falling band and flat cap reminding us of the costume of a boy in some of our charity schools. From the disproportion between the parts of the horse's body, the carver seems to have commenced at the head, without a complete drawing, till, finding that there would not be room for the whole animal on the panel, he made the best compromise he could with the hind quarters. The horse has a double girth, and the crupper is ornamented with bells, like hawks' bells. The artist seems to have tried to represent the popular tradition respecting St. George, as conveyed in ballads and legends. The presence of the hare is difficult to be accounted for. From the square-toed Sollerets, the Lambois, the Bourgonet, and other indications in the armour, the date of the carving may be safely referred to the reign of Henry VIII. No. 2. The illus This panel is partly heraldic, but the symbols have not been explained. tration of the medieval legend is at the upper part of it, in two divisions. The scenes represented are from the well known story of " Reynard the Fox," which was translated and printed by Caxton in 1481. One portion of the carving is a scene from Chapter iii. of Caxton's book, and another from Chapter v. The former is entitled "Chantecleer the Cock complaineth of Reynord the Fox;" and represents a procession of Chantecleer and his family to the king, carrying the body of Copple, one of his daughters, who had been killed by Reynard. He at the same time mentions the slaughter of various other members of his family. After an allusion to his happiness, and the extent of his family, he relates the treacherous manner in which Reynard had imposed upon him, and how at length the dead body of "At last he came in the likeness of a hermit, and brought me a letter to read, sealed with your Majesty's seal, in which I found written that your highness had made peace throughout all your realm, and that no manner of beast or fowl should do injury one to another, affirmed unto me that for his own part he was become a monk or cloystered recluse, vowed to perform a daily penance for his sins; showing unto me his beads, his books, and the hair shirt next to his skin, saying in humble wise unto me, Sir Chantecleer, never henceforth be afraid of me, for I have vowed never more to eat flesh. I am now waxed old, and would only remember my soul, therefore Copple his daughter had been rescued from Reynard's mail, by the interference of a pack of hounds. The first illustration represents the dead body of Chantecleer's daughter in Reynard's mail, with the head and neck hanging out. The attitudes of the bereaved father and children fully express their great sorrow. In the next scene, the king sends Bruin the bear to bring Reynard to Court, to answer the accusations made against him, " And full of jollity the bear departed, if his return be as jovial, there is no fear of his well speeding." Reynard, however, tempts the bear with kind words and promises of great store of honey; and takes him to the house of Lanfert, a stout and lusty carpenter, in whose yard there was a large oak, which he and his sons had commenced to cleave. The bear was persuaded that there was an immense amount of honey in the tree, but when he had inserted his head, Reynard withdrew the wedges. Escape was now impossible; Lanfert, his family and friends, were thoroughly roused; and the bear at length succeeded in extricating his head. A vigorous attack was then made upon him, the last stroke being dealt by the carpenter's brother. The second scene on the panel illustrates the concluding part. Lanfert's brother is dealing the final blow; and a flying bird probably represents one of the domestic fowl which had been roused by the noise and clamour. 11th January, 1855. LITERARY SECTION. PETER R. M'QUIE, ESQ., in the Chair. The Minutes of the last Meeting were read and confirmed. The following Donations were laid upon the table: From John Hall, Esq., Lancaster. The London Magazine and Monthly Chronicle, for 1737. Speed's account of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, with maps, 12mo. 1676. A Volume of Pamphlets, f.cap. 4to., 1703 and 1704. A volume containing the Chester Chronicle and other local newspapers, 1799. From the Author, Dr. Kendrick. The Warrington Worthies, 4to. pamph. 2nd edition. From Mrs. Matthew Gregson. Gregson's Fragments relative to the History of 1807. Lancashire, with additions. Sm. fol. The Rev. Thomas Moore, M.A., exhibited maps, drawings, and prints illustrative of his paper. The Secretary laid upon the table copies of the new Laws just printed off, and copies of the new List of Members. I take my leave, for I have yet my noon and my even song to say; which speaking he departed, saying his credo as he went, and layed him down under a hawthorn; at this I was exceeding glad, that I took no heed, but went and clocked my children together, and walked without the wall, which I shall ever rue." "This army put Bruin into a great fear, being none but himself to withstand them, and hearing the clamour of the noise which came thundering upon him, he wrestled and pulled so extreamly, that he got out his head, but left behind him all the skin and his ears also; insomuch that never creature beheld a fouler or more deformed beast, for the blood covering all his face and his hands leaving the claws and skin behind them, nothing remained but ugliness; it was an ill market the bear came to, for he lost both motion and sight, feet and eyes; but notwithstanding this torment, Lanfert, the priest, and the whole parish came upon him, and so becudgelled him about his body part, that it might well be a warning to all his misery, to know that ever the weakest shall still go most to the wall. * **The poor bear in this massacre, sat and sighed extreamly, groaning under the burthen of their stroaks, * * till Lanfert's brother, rushing before the rest with a staff, struck the bear in the head such a blow, that he could neither hear nor see, so that awaking from his astonishment, the bear leapt into the river adjoining." |